Silversea vessel fitted with an ice-strengthened hull so she can sail itineraries in the polar regions
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Malta’s Palumbo Shipyards has completed a US$40 million project to convert Silversea Cruises’ Silver Cloud into an expedition cruise vessel that can sail safely in polar regions.
Silver Cloud spent two months in dry dock while the shipyard’s team carried out several technical enhancements. These tasks included replacing the bulbous bow with a reinforced ice-class bulb designed for polar waters, installing new sonars for underwater detection, and fitting new windows that are resistant to polar temperatures. The team also reinforced the ship’s steel structures to ensure improve her strength, stability and manoeuvrability.
New onboard highlights include the Zàgara Beauty Spa, which was first introduced on Silversea’s flagship Silver Muse in April 2017, and the Photo Studio, where guests can participate in digital photography and editing classes. Silver Cloud’s boutique has also been upgraded to sell expedition-style merchandise.
Silver Cloud also now carries 10 kayaks and 16 zodiacs, which will enable guests to enjoy various excursions led by Silversea’s team of expedition experts.
“The successful transformation of Silver Cloud into an expedition vessel following the exhaustive work by Palumbo Shipyards is another milestone for Silversea,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea CEO. “Silver Cloud was the first vessel in the Silversea classic fleet in 1994 and it is with great pride that we now welcome her to our expedition fleet alongside Silver Explorer, Silver Discoverer and Silver Galapagos.”
Silver Cloud will carry just 200 guests in polar regions so everyone can disembark for excursions at the same time, but will accommodate 254 in non-polar regions. The ship will sail her inaugural Antarctica cruise from Buenos Aires, Argentina on 15 November.